The Yankees have picked up the $16 million option for 2008 on rightfielder Bobby Abreu. A person informed of the decision, who asked not to be named since the Yankees had not yet made an announcement, confirmed the move today.
Abreu, who turns 34 in March, this year hit .283 with 40 doubles, 16 homers, 101 RBI, 123 runs scored (second-most in the AL) and 25 stolen bases. After an awful start -- .228 through his first 51 games -- Abreu
batted ,309 with 91 runs scored annd 79 RBI in his final 107 games.
I've never been a big Abreu fan (and I would expect his numbers to suffer significantly not hitting in front of A-Rod next year), but this move was expected and probably the smart thing to do on a short term basis given the FA market this offseason.